Di Grassi hopeful of F1 seat next year

The Brazilian has been strongly tipped to replace Nelson Piquet at Renault if the team decide to make a driver swap - although no final decision is understood to have been made yet.

But speaking to news agency Reuters in Brazil, di Grassi said he was optimistic that the team would help move him up to F1 in 2009 after another successful season in GP2 this year.

"What I want is to try to take a step up in my career and become an official F1 driver. There is a good possibility that I will be in F1 next year," said di Grassi.

"My first option is Renault because they have been investing in my career. But I would be happy with any other team."

Di Grassi said the matter was out of his hands, as it was up to his Renault chiefs what they wanted to do next year.

"The option is up to Renault," he explained. "They have the possibility of extending my contract, so I am waiting for their decision to see if it will be with Renault or if I will have permission to negotiate with other teams".